Industry Challenges
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the everyday physical objects that surround us into an ecosystem of information that will enrich our lives. IoT has the most significant potential to improve operator productivity in production plants, improving the accuracy of warehouse management and inventory monitoring, reducing non-technical operations losses, and enabling intelligent product tracking.
First-class enterprises already benefit from IoT and plant-floor data using the collected data to predict and prevent equipment failure, improve reliability and reduce downtime. Manufacturers apply data insights to upgrade the quality and lower inspection costs.
- Mobility for peace of mind with Microsoft IoT Services
Integrates Microsoft’s direct support to provide our partners headache-free services. - Compact fanless design
Based on rugged, reliable, and long-lasting industrial technology. - Easy installation
Compact design supported with easy mounting options to meet the constricted space challenges. - Wireless communications
Wireless technologies connect all the devices and sensors. - Extreme operating environment
The IoT gateway may be placed outdoors in some applications, subjected to hot weather, rain, and dust.
Overview
According to PWC Research, the IoT is expected to drive a massive increase in connected machines and revenue growth across multiple industries. Now is the right time to capture value from this developing megatrend.
Winmate expands the EAC Mini IoT Gateway lineup with the compact, arm-based EACFA20 featuring a low power consuming Freescale Arm Cortex-A9 i.MX6 processor and operating system support for Android / Linux. As connected facilities have slowly trended to becoming the norm in the industrial sector, IoT gateways are essential to tying this cloud-based ecosystem together by bridging the gap between data sent from sensors / devices to cloud servers.
Designed as a variant of the modular EAC mini IoT Gateway, the EACFA20 is built to satisfy those that are value-oriented, with no compromises on the solid performance that our IoT gateway series provides. More than a dozen expansion possibilities are available thanks to the expansion modules providing plentiful options for additional serial interfaces such as CANBUS and digital I/O, or wireless connectivity options with 4G LTE. Wireless connectivity and all necessary connectors allow the EACFA20 to send data from manufacturing facilities directly to cloud servers, making it suitable for various IoT applications like smart factory or machine automation and allows you to increase operational efficiencies.
Our IoT and edge computing solutions include:
- Embedded Computing
- Box PC
- IoT Gateway
- Embedded Board
- Rack Server
Why IIoT & Edge Computing: Unlocking the Potential of Industrial Automation
In today's digital era, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and edge computing have emerged as powerful technologies revolutionizing the industrial automation landscape. By leveraging the connectivity of devices, sensors, and data analytics capabilities, IIoT and edge computing enable businesses to optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. This article explores the significance of IIoT and edge computing in industrial automation, their key benefits, and the transformative potential they offer.
- Understanding IIoT and Edge Computing:
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT):
IIoT refers to the network of interconnected devices, sensors, and systems in industrial environments, enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and decision-making. It encompasses the integration of physical devices, machinery, and digital systems, enabling seamless communication and collaboration. IIoT empowers businesses to monitor and control industrial processes remotely, optimize resource utilization, and enhance overall productivity.
- Edge Computing:
Edge computing involves processing and analyzing data at or near the source, rather than sending it to a centralized cloud or data center. It brings computation and data storage closer to the devices and sensors, reducing latency, enhancing real-time responsiveness, and optimizing bandwidth usage. Edge computing enables faster decision-making, improves system reliability, and reduces dependency on cloud connectivity.
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT):
- Benefits of IIoT and Edge Computing:
- Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance:
IIoT and edge computing enable real-time monitoring of industrial equipment and assets. By collecting and analyzing data at the edge, businesses can detect anomalies, identify potential issues, and predict maintenance requirements. This proactive approach to maintenance minimizes downtime, reduces maintenance costs, and extends the lifespan of critical assets.
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency:
IIoT and edge computing empower businesses to optimize operational processes, enhance efficiency, and drive productivity gains. By leveraging real-time data insights, organizations can identify bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and automate routine tasks. This results in reduced waste, improved resource utilization, and streamlined operations across the entire value chain.
- Improved Safety and Security:
IIoT and edge computing offer robust safety and security capabilities in industrial environments. Real-time data monitoring allows businesses to detect safety hazards, monitor compliance with regulations, and implement timely interventions. Additionally, edge computing reduces reliance on cloud connectivity, mitigating the risk of data breaches and ensuring data privacy within the local network.
- Scalability and Flexibility:
IIoT and edge computing provide scalability and flexibility for industrial automation systems. Edge devices can be easily deployed and integrated into existing infrastructures, allowing businesses to adapt to changing operational needs. The decentralized nature of edge computing enables businesses to scale their systems efficiently and accommodate future growth without significant infrastructure investments.
- Cost Optimization:
IIoT and edge computing offer cost optimization opportunities for industrial automation. By reducing data transmission to the cloud, businesses can minimize bandwidth costs and leverage local data processing capabilities. Moreover, predictive maintenance and optimized resource utilization reduce operational expenses and prolong the lifespan of assets, leading to long-term cost savings.
- Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance:
- Transformative Potential in Industrial Automation:
- Real-Time Decision-Making:
IIoT and edge computing enable real-time decision-making by bringing data analysis and processing closer to the source. This empowers businesses to respond promptly to operational events, optimize processes in real-time, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Real-time decision-making enhances operational agility and responsiveness.
- Autonomous and Intelligent Systems:
IIoT and edge computing lay the foundation for autonomous and intelligent systems in industrial automation. With edge devices equipped with AI capabilities, businesses can achieve local data analysis, real-time anomaly detection, and adaptive control. Autonomous systems optimize operations, reduce human errors, and enable more efficient and flexible production processes.
- Real-Time Decision-Making:
Core Capabilities / Advantages
Winmate IIoT Services
- Software: Winmate Intelligent Agent (WIA)
- Remote BIOS update, distribution of a batch
- Group device management
- System diagnostics - Sensor: Winmate IoT Sensor Node (WISN)
- Customized sensor board - Cloud: Winmate IoT Web Service (WISW)
- Monitor remote devices
IoT Gateway
- EAC Mini, a compact IoT gateway equipped with Intel® Apollo Lake N3350 processor, is widely employed for factory and machine automation. The expansion modules are designed to be integrated with EAC Mini and provide flexible expansion on demand. Endless possibilities to fit each unique industrial application!
More Than A Dozen Expansion Possibilities
- More than a dozen expansion possibilities are available thanks to the expansion modules providing plentiful options for additional serial interfaces such as CANBUS and digital I/O, or wireless connectivity options with 4G LTE. Wireless connectivity and all necessary connectors allow the EACFA20 to send data from manufacturing facilities directly to cloud servers, making it suitable for various IoT applications like a smart factory or machine automation and allowing you to increase operational efficiencies.
